Treylon Burks hasn’t had the smoothest ride in the NFL, but on Sunday, the Washington Commanders wideout reminded everyone exactly why he was once a first-round pick.
Midway through the third quarter of the Commanders’ Week 13 matchup against the Denver Broncos, Burks pulled off a jaw-dropping, one-handed touchdown grab that instantly lit up social media-and the stadium. With Washington threatening near the goal line, quarterback Marcus Mariota lofted a high ball into the end zone.
It looked like a throw destined to sail over everyone. But Burks had other plans.
Elevating over tight coverage, Burks extended his right arm and somehow secured the ball with just one hand, despite a defender draped all over him. It was the kind of catch that doesn’t just show up on highlight reels-it owns them.
For Burks, the moment was more than just a spectacular play. It was a much-needed breakthrough.
Let’s rewind a bit. Burks entered the league as the 18th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, selected by the Tennessee Titans to help fill the massive shoes left behind by A.J.
Brown, who had just been traded to the Eagles. The expectations were sky-high, but the results never quite matched the hype.
Injuries and inconsistency plagued his time in Tennessee, and after three seasons, the Titans decided to move on.
That’s how he landed in Washington-a team in search of help at wide receiver and willing to take a chance on a player still brimming with potential. And while the opportunities have been limited, Sunday’s touchdown was a reminder of the raw talent Burks brings to the table.
It was just the second touchdown of his career-and the first since his rookie year. For a player who’s battled through so much already, that score meant more than just six points on the board. It was a statement.
And there’s a bit of poetic symmetry here, too. Mariota and Burks were both first-round picks by the Titans, albeit in different eras, and never shared a huddle in Nashville. Now, in Washington, they’ve connected for a play that might just be the spark both of them need as they try to carve out new chapters in their careers.
Whether this catch is a turning point for Burks remains to be seen. But for one moment in Week 13, he didn’t just flash potential-he delivered. And if he can build on that, Washington may have found a gem hiding in plain sight.